Scarborough Park…A Good Thing Getting Better.

Scarborough Park - Briarcliff NYCompared to its southern neighbors, namely, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown and Irvington, the Village of Briarcliff doesn’t have the size or number of waterfront parks, with one exception noted – Scarborough Park. Approximately one-acre in size, the small peninsula juts out into the Hudson River about the same distance as the Tarrytown Lighthouse.

“Back in the day” as teenagers are prone to remind adults, the park was the site of the Briarcliff Sewer Plant, and vestiges of the plant are visible with rusted pipes and foundry- stamped covers where the foundation once stood.

scarborough park briarcliff sewer plantIn keeping with the new wave of land reclamation all along the once industrial eastern Hudson shoreline, the Village of Briarcliff Manor has set about to upgrade and preserve Scarborough Park. The project is expected to cost $950,000 with the Village Board allocating $204,000 for capital improvement and seeking $500,000 in grants from NYS. The Village intends to match any grants obtained.

Over time, heavy weather waves from the Hudson River have eroded the land that meets the large rocks on the north and west bank. Bare tree roots are evident in those locations, and through the efforts of the Village and a very active Scarborough Park Advisory Committee, recommendations were made for the improvement and increased usage of the park.

rip rap and pipingThe Concept Plan for the park aims to address erosion issues by adding riprap stone to the existing stone along the River, reclaiming land lost at the shoreline. It also includes a “get down to touch the River” location, a fishing wharf with views of the Tappan Zee Bridge and New York City skyline, a kayak-launching site, a picnic area, and additional shade trees. Learning how to get into a kayak is very easy and safe with a little practice and using the right technique, such as kneeling on the shore beside the kayak with your legs facing it, and slowly lowering yourself into the kayak, keeping your body centered and facing forward as you settle into the seat. The park will maintain its focus on introducing new passive activities to encourage everyone to spend time here

The Village Board intends to apply for the park grants by year’s end and work could begin as early as the spring of 2013. Scarborough Park, though small, has magnificent views to the south, west and north. The proposed grasses and shrubs at the rip rap base, along with a terraced lawn and boulder seats, plus a path from the parking lot to the fishing wharf and kayak launch, bode well for this great little park getting even better.

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About the Author: Robert Bonvento